TECHNOLOGY FOR SENIORS

From the AP, a large scale study in the Empire State to help understand Alzheimer’s Researchers would aim to map the genes of one million people living with or at-risk of Alzheimer’s disease over five years through a proposed initiative at the State University of New York. Gov. Andrew Cuomo proposed Friday to establish the […]

From the NY Times, one of the more promising medical studies relating to Alzheimer’s in a long time. A newly developed blood test for Alzheimer’s has diagnosed the disease as accurately as methods that are far more expensive or invasive, scientists reported on Tuesday, a significant step toward a longtime goal for patients, doctors and […]

Sometimes the greatest hurdles when growing old are technological. Seniors often lack the muscle memory or ingrained experiences to properly use modern conveniences. But that doesn’t mean those experiences cannot be made more accessible with some basic tools and aids. Bluetooth hearing aids – An old medical device, with a modern twist. These hearing aids […]

From the AP: “Claire Dinneen’s daughters thought that worsening dementia was causing her growing confusion, but her doctor suspected something else. Dr. Pei Chen asked them to round up medicines in the 89-year-old woman’s home and they returned with a huge haul. There were 28 drugs ordered by various doctors for various ailments, plus over-the-counter […]

Eventually, most of our elder loved ones will get to a point at which they can no longer live independently. In many cases, we caregivers will offer to take that loved one into our home. The transition can be difficult emotionally, even before you consider what it’s like to live with someone who is in […]

When caring for an elder loved one, some conversations are unpleasant but necessary. One of those conversations is often about alcohol consumption. To be clear right off the bat: this isn’t about alcoholism or addiction. Those are distinct conditions, which have to be addressed on their own. What we’re talking about here is ‘casual’ or […]

From Massive Science, a look at how advances can come from the oddest places. “In the early 1980s, doctors across northern California encountered patients with curious symptoms. From Watsonville to San Jose, young people were experiencing a combination of visual hallucinations, jerking limbs, and stiffness. Their abilities to move and speak worsened over a space […]

Stevel McMichael earned the nickname “Mongo” as a stalwart on the nearly-undefeated 1985 before moving onto a career as a successful pro wrestler with WCW in the mid 90s, has announced that he has ALS. The neurodegenerative disease – also known as Lou Gherig Disease – has robbed him of the use of his hands […]

Brian Grant led a charmed life. NBA All-Rookie First team in 1995 and over $100M in career on-court earnings. That changed in 2005 when a doctor and friend diagnosed him with early-onset Parkinson’s while Grant was still playing in the NBA. Grant has a new book out (with veteran NBA writer Ric Bucher) and he’s […]

As the vaccination rate in the US climbs over 50% more and more restrictions are beginning to lift. But that doesn’t mean criminals aren’t still operating in full force. Here are some tips to help keep you safe & secure during these trying times. Scammers are out in force trying to use Covid to get […]

When caring for an elder loved one, some conversations are unpleasant but necessary. One of those conversations is often about alcohol consumption. To be clear right off the bat: this isn’t about alcoholism or addiction. Those are distinct conditions, which have to be addressed on their own. What we’re talking about here is ‘casual’ or […]

Jack Hanna, the famed celebrity zoologist who made a name for himself bringing cute & exotic animals onto TV shows like the Tonight Show, has been forced to retire from public life due to dementia. “In the letter, Jack’s daughters Kathaleen, Suzanne and Julie Hanna stated their dad was diagnosed with dementia, now believed to […]

A potentially blockbuster report via The Guardian. “Most cases of Parkinson’s disease are considered idiopathic – they lack a clear cause. Yet researchers increasingly believe that one factor is environmental exposure to trichloroethylene (TCE), a chemical compound used in industrial degreasing, dry-cleaning and household products such as some shoe polishes and carpet cleaners. To date, […]

A new film about the late comedic legend Robin Williams shows the toll the undiagnosed Lewy Body Dementia may have taken on him before his tragic death in 2014. “SPARK: Robin Williams and his Battle with Lewy Body Dementia (LBD),” tracks the final years of his life and his battle with undiagnosed Lewy Body Dementia. […]

We’re approaching the warm weather holidays of Mother’s Day & Father’s Day, so now is as good a time as any to start planning what to get the seniors in your life. Digital Picture Frame. A great way to keep up with the grandkids. You can put thousands of family photos on a single memory […]

From Consumer Reports, a study showing that a little gaming time can be beneficial for seniors. According to researchers fr1om the University of California at Irvine, seniors who play online brain games can boost their cognitive skills to be just as sharp as those decades younger than them. “The brain is not a muscle, but […]